Following reports of a rethink in Government on the proposed immigration cap Kevin Green, Chief Executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) said:

“There were huge skills shortages before the recession, and if the private sector is to grow rapidly out of recession, it will need skilled workers to do so. An artificial cap on immigration will affect business growth and delivery of core services, such as social care.

“Without a doubt we need train up our young people to fill these gaps, but this will take time. We ask that the Government seriously considers the impact of preventing skilled workers coming into the country, if the positions they are being recruited for cannot be filled locally.”